Plans for new high-end residential apartments on the site of a former Newcastle nurses’ home have been submitted for approval.
Led by Jomast Developments, the regeneration project could see a mix of 57 one and two-bedroomed private rented properties created on the site of the old Angel Heights nurses’ home on Westgate Road.
The scheme has the backing of many local residents and stakeholders, who were found to be 100% in favour of it going ahead following a public consultation in December 2022.
Angel Heights originally opened in 1925 to provide accommodation for nurses working at the nearby Newcastle General Hospital. However, the building, which offers over 50,000 sq. ft. of space on a 1.38-acre plot, is now in a poor state of repair after being vacant for many years.
Transforming the property into high-quality residential accommodation for young working professionals will be seen as a welcome addition to the city’s housing provision.
Development of 12 new-build duplex-style apartments with car parking spaces on land to the rear of the property is also being proposed. These would add an eye-catching frontage to Dunholme Road, reflecting the character of other properties in the neighbourhood.
A landscaped courtyard, renovated frontage, along with a dedicated on-site management team are all part of a site-wide regeneration package that sees existing mature trees at the front of the site retained.
If the scheme - designed by Newcastle-based GT3 Architects - gets the green light from Newcastle City Council planning committee this summer, the start of onsite construction work would follow in the Winter, creating dozens of new construction and supply chain jobs.
Robert Dibden, associate director at Lichfields Newcastle office, said that there are currently huge pressures on the local housing sector.
He added: “More properties are desperately needed to meet the housing shortage and provide young people with good homes in an area that they would want to live in, close to other exciting new developments like the Newcastle Centre for Ageing and Vitality. Redevelopment of Angel Heights would help to address this shortage, bringing a good, sustainable site back to life after years of decline, delivering more quality housing for Newcastle.”
Adam Hearld, Jomast’s development director, said: “Our plans provide for a fantastic residential development and an investment for young, aspirational professionals. We have listened to the views of local people who have given the scheme their unequivocal backing and want to see the former nurses’ home revitalised and repurposed.”
